Matthew 10:34 - 11:1
"Do not think
that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a
sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against
her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's foes
will be those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than me
is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not
worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of
me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake
will find it. "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives
him who sent me. He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall
receive a prophet's reward, and he who receives a righteous man because he is
a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever
gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a
disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward." And when
Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to
teach and preach in their cities.
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Why does Jesus
describe his mission and the coming of God's kingdom in terms of conflict,
division, and war? Jesus came in peace to reconcile a broken and sinful
humanity with an all-merciful and loving God. Jesus also came to wage war, to
overthrow the powers and principalities arrayed against God and his kingdom.
What are these powers? Jesus describes Satan as the ruler of this world
whom he will cast out. The battle Jesus had in mind was not an earthly
conflict between nations, but a spiritual warfare between the forces of Satan
and the armies of heaven. The scriptures make clear that there are ultimately
only two powers or kingdoms – God's kingdom of light and the kingdom of
darkness. John contrast these two kingdoms in the starkest of terms: We know
that we are of God, and the whole world is in the power of the evil one.
What does Satan seek?
To be the ruler of his destiny and master of his universe. Satan’s goal is to
bring as many people as possible into his kingdom, and to neutralize or remove
anyone who tries to stand in his way. Satan is fiercely determined to not rest
until he has won over the hearts, minds, and souls of every person living on
the face of the earth today. Satan is opposed to God and to everyone who swears
allegiance to God's authority and rule in their lives. The evil one has but one
aim – the complete domination of our heart, mind, and will to his kingdom. And
he will use any means possible to draw us from good to evil, from truth to
deception, from light to darkness, and from life to death. There are no neutral
parties in this spiritual battle. We are either for or against the kingdom of
God. The choices we make and the actions we take reveal whose kingdom we choose
to follow. Jesus came to overthrow Satan's power and to set us free from
everything that would keep us from the love of God and his wise rule in our
lives – freedom from slavery to sin and our unruly desires, freedom from fear,
greed, and selfishness.
When Jesus spoke
about division he likely had in mind the prophecy of Micah: a man's enemies
are the men of his own household (Micah 7:6). The love of God compels us to
choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship or anything
else above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine
who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and
is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples
give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than
spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies,
if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do
True love for God
compels us to express charity towards our neighbor who is created in the image
and likeness of God. Jesus declared that any kindness shown and any help given
to the people of Christ will not lose its reward. Jesus never refused to give
to anyone in need who asked for his help. As his disciples we are called to be
kind and generous as he is. Jesus sets before his disciples the one goal in
life that is worth any sacrifice and that goal is the will of God which leads
to everlasting life, peace, and joy with God. Does the love of Jesus
Christ compel you to put God first in all you do?
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"Lord, no eye
has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has conceived the things you have prepared
for those who love you. Set us ablaze with the fire of the Holy Spirit, that we
may love you in and above all things and so receive the rewards you have
promised us through Christ our Lord."
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